Matt Frank named C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Matthew C. Frank has been named the C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen Department Chair of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Iowa State University. Frank’s appointment begins July 1.

“Matt has been a dedicated leader, educator, and innovator throughout his more than two decades at Iowa State. His deep understanding of the department and bold vision for its future will ensure the department’s continued excellence in research, teaching, and impact across the field of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering,” said W. Samuel Easterling, the James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering.

As chair, Frank will lead the success of Iowa State’s undergraduate industrial engineering program and master’s and Ph.D. programs in industrial engineering, systems engineering and engineering management. The department’s research focus areas include operations research and analytics, advanced manufacturing, and human factors and ergonomics.

The department will soon move into its new home: The Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building.

Made possible through a $42 million gift from C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. Therkildsen, the 80,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art classrooms and labs.

The Sukup Advanced Manufacturing Lab, Speer Family Capstone Design Lab, the SPARK student advising space, high-bay and low-bay ergonomics labs and many more team-based learning spaces are all designed to prepare Iowa State industrial engineering students to shape the future of the industry.

“I am truly honored to serve as department chair and excited to lead our community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students”, said Frank. “Together, we will set a new standard of excellence in industrial engineering — through innovative research, hands-on learning, and strong relationships with our industry partners, alumni and friends.”

Frank is currently the associate chair and director of undergraduate education for the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering and holds the John B. Slater Professorship of Sustainable Design and Manufacturing. He joined Iowa State in 2003.

His research focuses on advancing rapid manufacturing techniques for custom components, with an emphasis on hybrid manufacturing — integrating additive methods like 3D printing with subtractive methods such as CNC machining. Frank’s discoveries have improved the manufacturing of industrial parts, rapid pattern tooling for metal castings, and even personalized bone implants. He holds three U.S. patents.

He has received the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineering Award, the Don Grant Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Iowa State University Regents Award for Faculty Excellence, among other research and teaching awards.

Frank earned a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.